Sierra Leone has begun a nationwide rollout of the single-dose Ebola vaccine, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to prevent future outbreaks.
This campaign is the first of its kind in West Africa, where a devastating outbreak in 2014 claimed thousands of lives.
The 2014 outbreak, which started in Guinea and spread to Sierra Leone and Liberia, was the deadliest in history, with nearly 4,000 deaths in Sierra Leone alone.
The vaccine campaign, implemented in partnership with Gavi, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations children’s agency, aims to target 20,000 front-line workers across the country.
Health Minister Austin Demby emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “This is an investment in the safety of our people and a healthier Sierra Leone.”
Notably, there was no approved vaccine available during the 2014 outbreak, which highlighted the need for proactive measures to combat the disease.
The rollout of the Ebola vaccine is a crucial step in protecting the country’s healthcare workforce, which was severely affected during the outbreak, with 7% of workers losing their lives.
For individuals like Hassan Kamara, who lost nine relatives to the disease, the vaccine rollout brings a sense of hope and relief.
Kamara, a resident of Freetown, shared his traumatic experience, saying, “They died in front of me… I feel bad sometimes speaking about this because of what I went through.”
The launch of the vaccine campaign in Freetown was welcomed by health workers, who recognize the importance of vaccination in preventing future outbreaks.
With the rollout of the Ebola vaccine, Sierra Leone is taking a proactive approach to protecting its citizens and ensuring a healthier future.
